This plant is typically a large, fast-growing, multi-stemmed shrub or small, shrubby tree capable of forming dense colonial thickets. It can be found in loose, saturated soils such as that on riverbanks, lakesides, swamps, marshes, and bogs. It is capable or tolerating heavy clay and rocky soils, making it highly adaptable and durable. It is a dominant species in many marshland areas in its native range.